Best Bets for January 16

Best Bets for the week of January 16January 23
We tell you what to do, where to be, and why for each week of the year.

DESIGN

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What: DesignJam08: If sans-serif fonts, flashing computer screens, and the word “Adobe” quickens your pulse, then Denver’s first graphic design tournament may just be your idea of techie heaven. Designers will be chosen at random to compete in 15-minute heats to determine whose GNQ (graphical nerd quotient) is the highest.Why: You’ve spent way too many hours playing Guitar Hero III and World of Warcraft lately and could use a rowdy night on the town.Bonus: Local downtempo master DJ Segue will provide ambient beats while each contestant’s work is displayed on giant projection screens.Details: Wed 6-10 p.m. Plus+Gallery, 2350 Lawrence St. $10-30. Visit www.aigacolorado.org.

PERFORMING ARTS

What:Girls Only: The Secret Comedy of Women: Remember the junior high diary you kept tucked under your mattress? The one with the lock that your brother tried to pick and the list of boys you wanted to kiss? Well, Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein, two Denver actresses, unearthed their own tween journals to create this hilarious romp down memory lane.Why: Because buying your first bra really was that traumaticand funny.Bonus: This show is all about the “girlie-girlness” of being a teen and no boys are allowed. Really. So leave your significant other at home watching TV reruns while you spend an evening out with the ladies.Details: Through Feb 24, Thu-Sat 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Avenue Theatre, 417 E. 17th Ave. $20. Call 303-321-5925 or visit www.acecomedy.com.

MUSIC

What: Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular: Since 1986, this 140-minute mind-bending visual effects extravaganza has toured the country and it’s stopping in Denver for just one night. 10,000 watts of power produce concert-quality sounds while lasers dance in perfect choreography to the music of psychedelia’s most influential band.Why: Because it doesn’t look like that Pink Floyd reunion tour is ever going to happen.Bonus: Retro prism shades multiply the laser images flashing on the 30-foot screens and will make an excellent addition to next year’s Max Headroom Halloween costume.Details: Fri 8 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl. $25. Call 866-461-6556 or visit www.tickethorse.com.

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LECTURE

What: “Rocky Talk” with Madeleine Albright: The former Secretary of State discusses her set of recommendations to the prospective winner of the 2008 Presidential election as set out in her new book, Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership. A book signing follows.Why: Albright’s resume speaks for itself. She was the first female Secretary of State, and also served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, president of the Center for National Policy, and research professor at Georgetown University (just to name a few accomplishments).Bonus: Don’t let the early morning hour daunt you. To help wake you up, a continental breakfast is available starting at 7 a.m. As an added plus, proceeds benefit the Society of Professional Journalists, which promotes the development of aspiring reporters.Details: Tue 8 a.m. Denver Newspaper Agency Auditorium, 101 W. Colfax Ave. $15. Call 720-272-0961 or visit www.blacktie-colorado.com.

Remembering MLK: This year marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Denver will celebrate the birth of the great civil rights leader on Monday with a host of memorial events. The day kicks off with the annual Maradepart march and part paradewhich will start at 10 a.m. at City Park’s MLK Jr. memorial (E. 23rd Ave. and Colorado Blvd.) and end at the Greek Theater in Civic Center Park (14th Ave. between Broadway and Bannock St.). That afternoon, the Volunteers of America will hold A Dinner for Those Who Hunger from 3-6 p.m. at Sunset Park (1865 Larimer St.). That evening, the African-American Heritage Rodeo of Champions returns to the National Western Stock Show at 6 p.m. in the Denver Coliseum (4600 Humboldt St.). Finally, for those who want to memorialize while doing a bit of downhill skiing, Breckenridge is host to the 35th annual National Brotherhood of Skiers Mini-Summit. From now until Jan. 19, thousands of African-Americans will be making their way through the powder on Breck’s runs (www.nbs.org). For more information regarding MLK Day, visit www.mlkday.gov.